The Hong Kong Society for the Blind (HKSB) commissioned the Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies (APIAS) of the Lingnan University to conduct a survey on the quality of life of the visually impaired elderly of Hong Kong in 2008. The aim of the survey was to find out the difference in the quality of life between those visually impaired elderly living in the community and those being cared for in residential homes. The findings would be used as reference for future development of the elderly service. The study was conducted between November 2008 and January 2009.  A total of 580 visually impaired elderly living in residential homes and in the community were successfully interviewed.   

The research report was completed in September 2009. The findings reflected that due to poor vision, the visually impaired elderly living in the community had encountered some degree of difficulties when participating in activities organized in community centres. Thus they were unable to fully enjoy their social lives nor having chance to learn new knowledge and skills. The lack of meaningful activities made some of the aged blind feeling depressed, losing self-respect and being detached from the community.  On the other hand, the visually impaired elderly living in residential homes were in general satisfied with their quality of life. However, their health conditions and lack of opportunities in learning new things were the major factors affecting their quality of life.

As a result, HKSB joined hands with the Christian Alliance College to establish the “Lok Yi Elder Academy”, the first-ever Visually Impaired Elder Academy in Hong Kong at the Jockey Club Tuen Mum Home for the Aged Blind. The secondary school students would be teaching the elderly in computer, music appreciation, languages, and etc. Under this arrangement, the visually impaired elderly would be able to learn new knowledge and skills and participate in different activities in a familiar environment with suitable facilities.  The establishment of the “Lok Yi Elder Academy” was a response to the recommendations of the Research Report that aim to bring a positive and meaningful life to the visually impaired elderly for improvement of their quality of life.

The Press Conference on “Quality of Life for the Visually Impaired Elderly in Hong Kong” Research Report Seminar cum Visually Impaired Elder Academy Launching Ceremony was successfully held on 17 December 2009 at HKSB Headquarters. We felt honoured to have invited Dr LEONG Che-hung, GBS, JP, Chairman of Elderly Commission, to be the Chief Officiating Guest and Prof. Alfred Chan, BBS, JP, Director of APIAS of the Lingnan University, representing the Research team to share with participants the important findings of the Research at the Press Conference. The Research Report and the User Manual jointly published by HKSB, and the APIAS of Lingnan University were distributed to the participants at the Press Conference. Mr Ken Cheung, Physiotherapist I of HKSB, introduced the User Manual and Ms Doreen Mui, Director of Residential Services of HKSB, concluded the Seminar by giving views on future direction of visually impaired elderly service in Hong Kong.

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